External competition is good for your business, but internal competition can seriously endanger your health

BackgroundIn qualified positions, there is often amixture between decentralized individual incentive systems and centralized financial management control. While discussed quite controversially in economic terms, the health-related outcomes for employees have not yet been examined.MethodsWithin acase study with a three-stage content analysis, aproblem-centered interview process was chosen to determine health effects of stress. Attention here was focused on internal communication, health problems, internal conflicts, expending willingness and motivation.ResultsIn the qualitative part, adiminishing of team spirit and perceived strains can be observed, quantitatively ahigh value of presenteeism can be seen, explained by mainly three variables, negative sanctions by management, low control by high demand and little participation.ConclusionsIn organizations with internal competition, the team spirit drops and the health burden increases. As aresult, these employees come frequently sick to work and cause avoidable costs.